James Madison enters the Sun Belt championship game with College Football Playoff aspirations on the line.

However, to set up that possibility on Selection Sunday, the Dukes first will need to get past Troy, winners of two of the last three Sun Belt championships.

The 19th-ranked Dukes (No. 25 in CFP rankings) and the Trojans are scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5 from Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Watch the Sun Belt championship game on Fubo (free trial)

James Madison is making its first appearance in the Sun Belt championship game, despite winning the Sun Belt East Division in 2022 and 2023 under former coach Curt Cignetti. The Dukes were ineligible for the title game because they moved up to Division I FBS football.

Leading the way for Bob Chesney — who is expected to be officially named the next head coach at UCLA — is quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who surpassed the 5,000 passing yard mark last week vs. Coastal Carolina. James Madison also ranks in the top 10 of numerous defensive categories, including total yards (ranked fifth, 253.5 yards per game), first downs defenses (ranked fifth, 14.2 per game) and scoring defense (ranked 10th, 16.0 points per game).

Troy won the Sun Belt West Division for the third time in the last four years with a 6-2 conference record. The Trojans’ offense has been clicking the last two games with the return of quarterback Goose Crowder, while their defense holds the 12th-best touchdown rate in the red zone at 47.6% on the season.

USA TODAY is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along:

JMU vs Troy football live score

JMU vs Troy football live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Pregame

Troy warming up ahead of Sun Belt championship game

The Trojans have taken the field in Harrisonburg to get ready for their Sun Belt championship game against James Madison. A win for Troy on Friday would play spoiler to James Madison’s CFP outlook.

James Madison arrives for Sun Belt championship game

The Dukes have arrived on site for their first Sun Belt championship game appearance. A win against Troy would give James Madison its 12th win of the season, a program record since it transitioned from the FCS in 2022.

Has JMU football won the Sun Belt championship before?

No, despite winning the Sun Belt East Division three times, James Madison has not won the conference championship game before. It is the first season that James Madison is eligible for the Sun Belt title game because of its transition from the FCS in 2022.

Has Troy football won the Sun Belt championship before?

Yes, Troy has won two Sun Belt championships in program history. A win over James Madison on Friday would mark the third Sun Belt title in the last four years for Troy.

What’s at stake for JMU in the Sun Belt championship game?

James Madison is playing for a potential shot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. 

If the Dukes handle their business against Troy, their path to the CFP would rely on the ACC championship game, specifically with Duke pulling off the upset over Virginia (No. 17 in CFP). That would open the door for the Dukes to potentially make the final 12-team bracket as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions.

Of course, there also is the possibility that the selection committee would jump Duke, unranked in the penultimate top 25 rankings, ahead of James Madison.

Is Bob Chesney coaching James Madison tonight in Sun Belt championship? 

Yes, Bob Chesney is expected to coach James Madison in the Sun Belt championship game vs. Troy despite being the reported next head coach at UCLA.

James Madison vs Troy live odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Dec. 5 

• Spread: James Madison -23.5
• Over/under: 46.5
• Moneyline: James Madison (-3000) | Troy (+1250)

What time does James Madison vs Troy start?

• Date: Friday, Dec. 5
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Where: Bridgeforth Stadium (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

James Madison and Troy will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5 from Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

What TV channel is James Madison vs Troy on today?

• TV channel: ESPN
• Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The Sun Belt championship game between James Madison and Troy will be broadcast on ESPN. Anish Shroff and Andre Ware will have the call from the booth, while Paul Carcaterra will report from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries ESPN and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream the Sun Belt championship game live with Fubo (free trial)

James Madison vs Troy predictions

‘You’re not getting off the hook that easy, CFP committee. Although the American Conference has been the belle of the ball this season, the Dukes have made a compelling argument to represent the non-Power Four teams in the playoffs. This game does not curb their case, as James Madison does what it’s done all season: Dispatch teams it is simply better than.’

‘Welcome to the CFP, James Madison. The Dukes have little trouble in a dominant win over Troy to earn a CFP berth as the highest-ranked Group of Five conference team. James Madison runs over Troy early and leaves no doubt for the CFP committee to put them in the 12-team playoff.’

James Madison football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at James Madison’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: James Madison 45, Weber State 10
• Friday, Sept. 5: Louisville 28, James Madison 14
• Friday, Sept. 13: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 20: James Madison 31, Liberty 13
• Saturday, Sept. 27: James Madison 35, Georgia Southern 10 *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: James Madison 14, Georgia State 7 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: James Madison 24, Louisiana 14 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: James Madison 63, Old Dominion 27 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
• Tuesday, Oct. 28: James Madison 52, Texas State 20 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: James Madison 35, Marshall 23 *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: James Madison 58, Appalachian State 10 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: James Madison 24, Washington State 20
• Saturday, Nov. 29: James Madison 59, Coastal Carolina 10 *
• Friday, Dec. 5: vs. Troy | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo) **

* Denotes Sun Belt game

** Denotes Sun Belt championship game

Troy football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Troy’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Troy 38, Nicholls 20
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Clemson 27, Troy 16
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Memphis 28, Troy 7
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Troy 21, Buffalo 17
• Saturday, Sept. 27: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Troy 31, South Alabama 24 (OT) *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Troy 48, Texas State 41 (OT) *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Troy 37, Louisiana-Monroe 14 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: Troy 35, Louisiana 23 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Arkansas State 23, Troy 10 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Thursday, Nov. 13: Old Dominion 33, Troy 0 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Troy 31, Georgia State 19 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Troy 28, Southern Miss 18 *
• Friday, Dec. 5: vs. No. 19 James Madison | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo) **

* Denotes Sun Belt game

** Denotes Sun Belt championship game

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North Texas and Tulane face off in the American championship game for a likely spot in the College Football Playoff.

Both schools are amid seasons that rank among the best in their respective programs’ histories, with the success already culminating in North Texas (11-1, 8-1 American) coach Eric Morris and Tulane (10-2, 8-1 American) coach Jon Sumrall leaving for better jobs. Both coaches are finishing out the season despite leaving for Oklahoma State and Florida, respectively.

Watch the American championship game on Fubo (free trial)

The Mean Green have one of the best offenses in college football, led by a pair of first-year starters. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker and true freshman running back Caleb Hawkins have been sensational for North Texas this season, leading an offense that ranks first nationally averaging 46.8 points per game.

Tulane has the pleasure of hosting the matchup, though, with the game being held at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.

USA TODAY is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along:

Tulane vs North Texas score

Tulane vs North Texas live updates

This section will be updated.

Is Jon Sumrall coaching Tulane?

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall also has a new job, as he was hired by Florida on Nov. 30. Sumrall is also finishing out Tulane’s season, similar to Morris.

Is Eric Morris coaching North Texas?

North Texas head coach Eric Morris is finishing out the season with the Mean Green, despite being named the next coach at Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. Morris has already flipped numerous North Texas commits to Oklahoma State, along with a few key staff members.

Jake Retzlaff stats

Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff brings a different skill set than Mestemaker, given his rushing ability. Here’s how the first-year transfer from BYU has performed this season.

• Passing: 209 of 334 passing (62.6%) for 2,717 yards with 14 touchdowns to six interceptions
• Rushing: 103 carries for 561 yards (5.4 yards per carry) with 14 touchdowns

Drew Mestemaker stats

Mestemaker leads the nation in passing yards. Here’s a look at his stats in his first season as North Texas’ starter:

• Passing: 271 of 282 passing (70.9%) for 3,835 passing yards with 29 touchdowns to four interceptions
• Rushing: 44 carries for 57 yards for five touchdowns

What time does Tulane vs North Texas start?

• Date: Friday, Dec. 5
• Time: 8 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. CT
• Where: Yulman Stadium (New Orleans)

Tulane vs North Texas will kick off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on Friday, Dec. 5, from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.

What TV channel is Tulane vs North Texas on today?

• TV channel: ABC
• Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

The American championship game between Tulane and North Texas will be broadcast on ABC. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Tulane vs North Texas predictions

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network: North Texas 42, Tulane 38

North Texas gets into another shootout, but its offense the past few weeks has been virtually unstoppable. The Mean Green earn a trip to the CFP after taking down Tulane for its first-ever American title.

Here are other predictions from the USA TODAY Network:

• North Texas 31, Tulane 30 —Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY Network
• North Texas 37, Tulane 30 — Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY Network

Tulane football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Tulane’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: Tulane 23, Northwestern 3
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Tulane 33, South Alabama 31
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Tulane 34, Duke 27
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Mississippi 45, Tulane 10
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Tulane 31, Tulsa 14 *
• BYE
• Thursday, Oct. 9: Tulane 26, East Carolina 19 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Tulane 24, Army 17 *
• BYE
• Thursday, Oct. 30: UTSA 48, Tulane 26 *
• Friday, Nov. 7: Tulane 38, Memphis 32 *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Tulane 35, Florida Atlantic 24 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Tulane 37, Temple 13 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Tulane 27, Charlotte 0 *
• Friday, Dec. 5: Tulane vs North Texas | ABC, 8 p.m. **

* denotes American Conference game

** denotes American Conference championship game

North Texas football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at North Texas’ schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 30: North Texas 51, Lamar 0
• Saturday, Sept. 6: North Texas 33, Western Michigan 30 (OT)
• Saturday, Sept. 13: North Texas 59, Washington State 10
• Saturday, Sept. 20: North Texas 45, Army 38 (OT) *
• Saturday, Sept. 27: North Texas 36, South Alabama 22
• BYE
• Friday, Oct. 10: South Florida 63, North Texas 36 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: North Texas 55, UTSA 17 *
• Friday, Oct. 24: Tulane 54, Charlotte 20 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: North Texas 31, Navy 17 *
• BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: North Texas 53, UAB 24 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: North Texas 56, Rice 24 *
• Friday, Nov. 28: North Texas 52, Temple 25 *
• Friday, Dec. 5: Tulane vs North Texas | ABC, 8 p.m. **

* denotes American Conference game

** denotes American Conference championship game

It’s time for the United States to fall in line with the rest of the world and stop calling ‘football’ soccer, according to President Donald Trump.

‘When you look at what has happened to the sport, which we call soccer in the U.S., we never call it that because we have another conflict with a thing called football,’ Trump said while attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw Friday in Washington D.C. ‘But when you think about it, this is football, there is no question. We have to come up with another name for the other one. It really does not make sense when you think about it.’

Globally, fans distinguish between the sports by using ‘American football’ to reference the tackle football played in the NFL, colleges and youth levels. Americans using the term soccer is often looked down upon and joked about, while others defend the use saying it originated in England way back in the 1800s to differentiate rugby football from association football.

Before the World Cup teams found out their group placements, the draw kicked off with star-studded performances and guest appearances, including The Village People, Andrea Bocelli and Lauryn Hill.

Trump also was honored and presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Amid a conference championship weekend where College Football Playoff seeding is determined are fought over and Power Four conferences jockey for national supremacy, a gem of a game awaits in Boise, Idaho.

Boise State (8-4) will host UNLV (10-2) in the Mountain West championship game in Albertsons Stadium. It’s the last opportunity for the Broncos — who will join the remade Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026 college football season — to win the MWC title.

They have won at least a share of the championship six times in program history, including five MWC championship games.

Watch the Mountain West championship game on Fubo (free trial)

Standing in there way is a UNLV coach led by former Mississippi State and Florida coach Dan Mullen, who has the Rebels challenging for a conference title in just his first season in Las Vegas. The teams met earlier in the season, however, with Boise State earning a commanding 56-31 on Oct. 18.

Can Boise State beat UNLV twice in the same season for one final Mountain West title? Or will Mullen lead revenge against the Broncos en route to a Year 1 conference title?

USA TODAY is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along:

UNLV vs Boise State score

UNLV vs Boise State live updates

This section will be updated.

Who is coaching UNLV?

College football fans tuning in for their first Mountain West game this season may recognize a familiar face on the UNLV sidelines: Former Mississippi State and Florida coach Dan Mullen, who was hired by the Rebels on Dec. 12, 2024. Mullen has led UNLV to a 10-2 record in his first regular season in Las Vegas.

Is Boise State leaving Mountain West Conference?

The Dec. 5 game between Boise State and UNLV is bittersweet for Mountain West fans: It marks the penultimate game the Broncos will compete as a Mountain West team, and the last one against another Mountain West opponent. The Broncos will join the reformed Pac-12 Conference beginning with the 2026 college football schedule.

What time does UNLV vs Boise State start?

• Date: Friday, Dec. 5
• Time: 8 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. MT
• Where: Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho)

Boise State and UNLV will kick off at 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local) on Saturday, Dec. 6 from Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.

What TV channel is UNLV vs Boise State on today?

• TV channel: Fox
• Livestream: Fox Sports app | Fubo (free trial)

The Mountain West championship game between UNLV and Boise State will be broadcast on Fox. The announcers will be Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst), and Alexa Landestoy (sideline reporter).

Streaming options for the game include the Fox Sports app and Fubo, which carries Fox and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

UNLV vs Boise State predictions

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Boise State 33, UNLV 28

Boise State really lucked out getting a team it has already beaten this season and playing this game at home. While this game shouldn’t be a blowout like the first matchup, Boise State is able to limit UNLV’s offense from taking control of the game, and a late stop seals one last Mountain West title for the Broncos.

Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network: UNLV 30, Boise State 27

It’d only be fitting for Boise State, the most dominant Mountain West program in recent years, to go out with a conference title before it moves to the Pac-12 next season. However, UNLV and first-year coach Dan Mullen play spoiler, as Mullen puts together one of the best coaching jobs in college football this season.

Craig Meyer, USA TODAY Network: Boise State 34, UNLV 30

The Broncos had their way with the Rebels the first time these teams met up, a decisive 56-31 victory on Oct. 18 in Vegas. Ashton Jeanty isn’t walking through that door for Boise State, but its running back tandem of Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines has come on in recent weeks. Between that and what are projected to be cold, rainy conditions for the game against a team from the desert that plays in a climate-controlled environment, I like the Broncos to leave the Mountain West as its champion, once again.

UNLV football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at UNLV’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Saturday, Aug. 23: UNLV 38, Idaho State 31
• Friday, Aug. 29: UNLV 38, Sam Houston 21
• Saturday, Sept. 6: UNLV 30, UCLA 23
• BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 20: UNLV 41, Miami (Ohio) 38 *
• BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 4: UNLV 31, Wyoming 17 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: UNLV 51, Air Force 48 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Boise State 56, UNLV 31 *
• BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 1: New Mexico 40, UNLV 35 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: UNLV 42, Colorado State 10 *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: UNLV 29, Utah State 26 (OT) *
• Friday, Nov. 21: UNLV 38, Hawaii 10 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: UNLV 42, Nevada 17 *
• Friday, Dec. 5: UNLV vs Boise State | Fox **

* denotes Mountain West game

** denotes Mountain West championship game

Boise State football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Boise State’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Thursday, Aug. 28: South Florida 34, Boise State 7
• Friday, Sept. 5: Boise State 51, Eastern Washington 14
• BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Boise State 49, Air Force 37*
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Boise State 47, Appalachian State 14
• Saturday, Oct. 4: Notre Dame 28, Boise State 7
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Boise State 41, New Mexico 25 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Boise State 56, UNLV 31 *
• Friday, Oct. 24: Boise State 24, Nevada 3 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Fresno State 30, Boise State 7 *
• BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: San Diego State 17, Boise State 7 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Boise State 49, Colorado State 21 *
• Friday, Nov. 28: Boise State 25, Utah State 24
• Friday, Dec. 5: UNLV vs Boise State | Fox **

* denotes Mountain West game

** denotes Mountain West championship game

The 2025 FBS postseason kicks off Friday night, and Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State will meet in the Conference USA Championship game (7 p.m. kickoff) to help get this party started.

Kennesaw State is one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 college football season. Behind first-year coach Jerry Mack, the Owls have already made a seven-win jump this season and are looking to take CUSA in just the program’s second year in FBS.

Jacksonville State earned its way into the title game as hosts with a win over Western Kentucky in the regular-season finale.

These teams played Nov. 15, a 35-26 Jax State win. The Owls had 579 yards of offense but were undone by four turnovers.

Watch the C-USA championship game on Fubo (free trial)

USA TODAY is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.

HIT REFRESH FOR LIVE UPDATES.

Kennesaw State vs Jax State football score

Kennesaw State vs Jax State football live updates

This section will be updated.

What time does Kennesaw State vs Jacksonville State football start?

• Date: Friday, Dec. 5
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Where: AmFirst Stadium (Jacksonville, Alabama)

Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 5 from AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama.

What TV channel is Kennesaw State vs Jacksonville State on today?

• TV channel: CBS Sports Network
• Livestream: Fubo (free trial)

The C-USA championship game between Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries CBSSN and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Conference USA Championship game predictions

• Kennesaw State 31, Jacksonville State 27: Although Jacksonville State got the better of the Owls in their first matchup, Jerry Mack has shown his mettle this season. Kennesaw State is able to get the upper hand in this one with Amari Odom bouncing back from his three-interception outing in the first go-round. Protecting the ball gives the Owls the edge, and they avenge their one conference loss this season and cap off a monumental turnaround. — Kevin Skiver
• Jacksonville State 35, Kennesaw State 27: Despite losing coach Rich Rodriguez to West Virginia, Jacksonville State rolls to its second straight Conference USA championship behind a three-touchdown performance from running back Cam Cook to run his season total to 18. — Ehsan Kassim
• Kennesaw State 35, Jacksonville State 30: This one feels like a toss-up, but I’ll side with Kennesaw State getting its revenge against Jacksonville State and winning its first Conference USA title in just its second year as a member of the Division I FBS level. To do that, though, the Owls will need to be able to contain Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook, who ran for 132 rushing yards and a touchdown in the first meeting. — John Leuzzi

Conference USA Championship game betting odds

• Moneyline: Kennesaw State (-145)
• Spread: Kennesaw State (-2.5)
• Over/under: 60.5

Kennesaw State football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Kennesaw State’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Friday, Aug. 29: Wake Forest 10, Kennesaw State 9
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Indiana 56, Kennesaw State 9
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Kennesaw State 27, Merrimack 13
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Kennesaw State 28, Arkansas State 21
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Kennesaw State 24, Middle Tennessee 16*
• BYE
• Thursday, Oct. 9: Kennesaw State 35, Louisiana Tech 7*
• BYE
• Tuesday, Oct. 21: Kennesaw State 45, FIU 26*
• Tuesday, Oct. 28: Kennesaw State 33, UTEP 20*
• Saturday, Nov. 8: Kennesaw State 24, New Mexico State 21*
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Jacksonville State 35, Kennesaw State 26
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Kennesaw State 41, Montana State 34
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Kennesaw State 48, Liberty 42 (OT)*
• Friday, Dec. 5: Kennesaw State vs Jacksonville State | CBS Sports Network**
• * – denotes Conference-USA game
• ** – denotes Conference-USA championship game

Jacksonville State football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Jacksonville State’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.

• Thursday, Aug. 28: UCF 17, Jacksonville State 10
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Jacksonville State 34, Liberty 24*
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Georgia Southern 41, Jacksonville State 34
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Jacksonville State 45, Murray State 10
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Southern Miss 42, Jacksonville State 25
• BYE
• Thursday, Oct. 9: Jacksonville State 29, Sam Houston 27*
• Wednesday, Oct. 15: Jacksonville State 38, Delaware 25*
• BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 8: Jacksonville State 30, UTEP 27*
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Jacksonville State 35, Kennesaw State 26*
• Saturday, Nov. 22: FIU 27, Jacksonville State 21*
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Jacksonville State 37, Western Kentucky 34*
• Friday, Dec. 5: Kennesaw State vs Jacksonville State | CBS Sports Network**
• * – denotes Conference-USA game
• ** – denotes Conference-USA championship game

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Inter Miami are on the brink of winning its biggest prize since Lionel Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023. However, standing in the way of MLS Cup glory are the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 30th edition of MLS Cup — which will be played Saturday, Dec. 6 — features an intriguing matchup. Both teams feature star power, with Miami featuring Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, and Vancouver featuring German legend Thomas Müller as well as goal-scoring threat Brian White and U.S. World Cup hopeful Sebastian Berhalter.

Here’s how USA TODAY Network soccer experts see the 2025 MLS Cup playing out:

MLS Cup 2025 predictions

• Jim Reineking: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps

Really feel like this could be a fun game to watch with hopefully plenty of action and goals. Both teams come into this championship showdown on absolute heaters. Vancouver has a ‘team of destiny’ feel to it, but Lionel Messi profoundly tilts the balance of power Miami’s way.

• Jacob Shames: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps

Miami is as hot as it’s been all season, having won each of its last three games by four goals heading into the final. Thomas Muller and the Whitecaps attack can keep pace, but Lionel Messi will be too much to deal with as Miami wins, 3-2.

• Seth Vertelney: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps

The Herons have found the formula for victory lately, with Luis Suarez moving to the bench to provide Lionel Messi with younger, more dynamic attacking partners. That has led to three straight wins by a combined score of 13-1. It’s hard to see anybody stopping them in this kind of form.

• James Weber: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps

I don’t think even a team as good as the Whitecaps can slow down Lionel Messi, especially at home. Putting Mateo Silvetti in the lineup really made Miami unstoppable down the stretch.

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

Former NBA center Elden Campbell died Monday from an accidental drowning after suffering a medical emergency while out fishing.

Campbell was 57 years old.

That official cause of death came from the Broward County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office and was reported by several media outlets.

Campbell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft out of Clemson, where he still holds the school’s all-time scoring record, is second in career blocks, and led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Campbell spent eight-plus seasons with the Lakers and was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 1999, averaging a career-high 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game after the trade.

He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and New Jersey Nets and won an NBA championship with the Pistons in 2004.

He averaged 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game over his 15-year career.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has returned to practice about three weeks after being hit in the face by a puck and said he knew he was ‘in trouble’ as soon as he was struck.

McAvoy, who has been named to the U.S. Olympic team, took a slap shot off the face in a Nov. 15 game against the Montreal Canadiens. He spelled out the damage on Friday, saying he had a linear fracture in his jaw, some displacement and lost ‘a lot of teeth’ on the bottom.

He said the toughest part after surgery is being unable to eat solid food and he lost close to 20 pounds in the first week and a half, which has affected his energy during practice. He’s wearing a full shield and a no-contact jersey.

McAvoy said he tried throwing chicken and vegetables in a blender to eat that way but quickly balked.

‘It’s terrible, so soups have really been my go-to and smoothies to try and get some protein,’ he said, adding that also has eaten ice cream and milkshakes.

McAvoy had no timeline for his return, though he said he’d be able to eat solid food again about six weeks after the surgery. Then it’s a question of putting on weight, regaining energy and passing certain check marks from doctors.

‘It’s been one of the weirdest injuries I’ve ever had,’ he said. ‘The feeling of having so much trauma in your mouth, it’s just a wild feeling. We’re doing everything we can to get back fast and I’m healing really good, so hopefully not too much longer.’

The Olympic men’s hockey tournament starts in February.

The Los Angeles Lakers, on the second night of a back-to-back, will be deprived of their two biggest stars.

Luka Dončić missed the team’s most recent game, a three-point victory over the Toronto Raptors Thursday, Dec. 4, because of personal reasons.

Los Angeles won the Raptors game on a 3-point shot as time expired. During that play, LeBron James had the ball in his hands and had the chance to extend his double-digit scoring record, but he passed up the opportunity to record the game-winning assist. That snapped James’ streak of 1,297 consecutive games – or a span of nearly 19 years – with at least 10 points.

James, however, landed on the injury report Friday, Dec. 5, ahead of the team’s game in Boston against the Celtics, with a previously undisclosed issue.

Here’s everything you need to know about the availabilities of the two Lakers stars, Luka Dončić and LeBron James:

Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs. Celtics?

No. Dončić remains away from the team for personal reasons and will miss his second consecutive game. The team officially listed him as out on Friday’s injury report, and Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team was unsure when he would return.

“Obviously, he’s away from the team for personal reasons,” Redick told reporters Thursday, prior to the team’s game against the Raptors. “Hope to have him back soon, but don’t have a pin-pointed day yet.”

The Lakers are on the second leg of a three-game road trip that concludes Sunday, Dec. 7 in Philadelphia.

The Lakers then head home for one game against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, Dec. 10, before embarking on another three-game road trip.

Is LeBron James playing tonight vs. Celtics?

No, James also won’t play. The Lakers had listed James as doubtful on the injury report earlier on Friday with right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis designations. By late afternoon, the team had downgraded him to out.

James has been dealing with the sciatica issue since training camp. It forced him to miss all of the preseason and the first 14 games of the season.

The joint arthritis issue is a new one being disclosed for the first time. James turns 41 in a little more than three weeks, and the Lakers were already managing his participation in back-to-backs. The arthritis injury, however, could complicate his availability in the coming games.

Redick is set to speak to reporters before tipoff and he’ll likely offer an update on James then.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly two months away, and rosters are due at the end of the month.

Team USA GM Bill Guerin will have some tough decisions to make by Dec. 31. The men’s national team fell a goal short of winning the 4 Nations Face-Off, so the chemistry and lessons learned from that tournament will factor into the Olympic roster.

Guerin also suggested that whoever’s on the team must be able to check and withstand a heightened level of physicality.

‘Honestly, I just don’t think you can put into words how tight those games were (at the 4 Nations Face-Off),’ Guerin told The Athletic in late November. ‘How little room there was to operate. And how well these elite players can check. In NHL games, they’re not always counted on to do that, but when they are, they can. And not everybody can play in those situations.

‘No matter what their offensive gifts are, if you can’t check, it’s probably not the tournament for you.’

At the end of the day, there are different philosophies in building the perfect Team USA. And while physicality and chemistry from the 4 Nations remain factors, some skilled players are playing too well to snub.

We’re projecting 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders for Team USA after two months of the NHL season. If you’re looking for the August projection to compare, click here. Or here is one from USA TODAY. Players with an asterisk were already named to the roster in June.

US men’s hockey Olympic roster predictions

Forwards

Centers: Auston Matthews*, Jack Eichel*, Dylan Larkin, J.T. Miller

Wingers: Jake Guentzel, Matthew Tkachuk*, Brady Tkachuk*, Jack Hughes, Matthew Knies, Clayton Keller, Kyle Connor, Cole Caufield, Matt Boldy, Tage Thompson

The lowdown: The Americans are a co-favorite to win this tournament in no small part due to their depth at all positions, including up front. We’ve had to leave off some very talented young players, including Utah’s Logan Cooley, Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier and Dallas’ Jason Robertson. 

But had we included those three on our American roster, we’d be forced to omit players such as Toronto’s Knies and Buffalo’s Thompson. However, Knies’ physical game and Thompson’s size bring elements that the U.S. team needs to balance their smaller, skilled players.

So with players like the Tkachuk brothers. and Rangers star Miller, the Americans will be extremely tough to play against. And there’s no shortage of high-end skill for coach Mike Sullivan to lean on. Caufield would provide elite secondary scoring, while Keller is an elite playmaker.

Defensemen

Quinn Hughes*, Charlie McAvoy*, Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin, Adam Fox, Brock Faber, Lane Hutson

The lowdown: Out of the three positions, the Americans have the most impressive depth on ‘D’. There’s skill and smarts to spare – and with McAvoy and Slavin in particular, there’s elite possession hockey that will be played in their own zone. Hutson can come in at any time the Americans need more puck movement from the back end as well.

The Americans’ defensive depth means that above-average blueliners, including New Jersey’s Luke Hughes, Anaheim’s Jackson LaCombe, Washington’s John Carlson and Florida’s Seth Jones didn’t make the cut. But if injuries cut into their defensive depth, those omissions will be able to step in and give the U.S. quality minutes.

Goaltenders

Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Thatcher Demko

The Lowdown:Hellebuyck is currently injured, but he’s expected to return in time for the Olympics and be the starter. But if Hellebuyck does struggle or suffer additional health issues, Stars starter Oettinger and Vancouver starter Demko can step in and step up.

Demko has had his share of injuries to deal with in recent years, so a replacement for him could come in the form of Seattle’s Joey Daccord or Boston’s Jeremy Swayman. But in a high-stakes, short-span tourney like the Olympics, if you have to turn to the fourth or fifth option in net, you’re probably not going to be battling for gold. That said, if Hellebuyck is on his game, the U.S. will be extremely tough to beat. He had a 1.59 goals-against average and .932 save percentage at the 4 Nations.

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